Archolia Chapter 16 - The Peteran Priest

Sister Ermine has her first sermon scheduled to begin in a few hours.  Her growling stomach tells her that it is time to eat.
As she spoons out a bowlful of gruel, she reminds herself to visit the village for better ingredients to add to her stew. Lethargy and hunger are not a good combination and it is definitely what she wants to avoid.
Ermine has always lived a humble, simple life, but from time to time she would like to enjoy some fowl or fish.
She gives praise to the Watcher for her meal and sits down to partake.
After her quick meal, she walks over to the bed and stares down longingly. 
Although tempted to rest her head for a few hours, she knows that it would be a waste of time.  Instead she decides to prepare for her sermon.
Ermine lights the candle on her podium.  The energy of the flickering flame helps to remind her that the Watcher is always near.
Ermine reaches down to pull out the Sacred Text of the Watcher.  She hopes to convert a few more souls this evening.
Ermine has a few passages in the Sacred Text that she would like to cover, dealing with the Watcher’s love and mercy.  These passages always give her comfort in her time of need.
“Greetings, I am glad that you have all come to be in the presence of our protector.”
Sister Ermine continues to talk, but very few of the potential parishioners are listening.   Instead they walk around, laugh and chat amongst each other.
Ermine does not allow this to deter her.  She continues with her sermon, “We are to give thanks to the Watcher for providing healing during the time of the Great Illness.”
This gets the parishioners’  attention.  Many of them had loved ones who suffered greatly while the illness was spreading, but witnessed a great miracle as they watched those  same loved ones healed instantly as Bloodletter Gavin provided them cure.
“My message to you today is to love one another just as the Watcher has loved us.”
Sister Ermine has the congregation’s full attention.  She continues with her message of love and mercy as they listen closely and nod in agreement; hanging on to her every word.
With her sermon complete, Sister Ermine feels that she has served the Watcher well.  The congregation gave an overall tithe of 75 simoles.  Ermine replaces the Sacred Text of the Watcher.
After the sermon, Ermine is approached by a few people looking for prayer and counsel.
Ermine prays for the villager’s health and well-being.
She speaks to them about the power of the Watcher and how the Watcher has changed her life.
“She is with you always my sister…to guide you and to keep you.”
Ermine is pleased to have another convert to the Peteran Faith.  She is sure that the queen will be pleased with her progress.
Bloodletter Gavin sits in the last pew, watching Sister Ermine convert members of the congregation.  He has heard the Watcher’s calling and wishes to ask for prayer.
“Good eve your Grace.  I am Bloodletter Gavin.”
Ermine is honored to  meet the Bloodletter.  “Yes, I know who you are.  I am honored to have you here.  I have heard of your good works.”
“I believe that I have been a part of a miracle.  I want to learn more about the Watcher and ask for her protection and further guidance.”
“I would be happy to pray with you.”
“Thank you much your Grace.”
First Sister Ermine prays the Watcher’s favor over Bloodletter Gavin. 
A bright light shines and Gavin can feel the Watcher’s power wash over him.
“Sir, I believe you have heard the Watcher’s call.”
“Aye your Grace.  It is why I came seeking you.”

“Will you pray the convert’s prayer with me?”
Ermine and Gavin close their eyes and pray to the Watcher.
“You are now of the Peteran Faith brother Gavin.”

“Thank you your Grace.”
Gavin leaves  heading back to the clinic and Ermine feeling the power of the Watcher upon her, decides to try and get some sleep.

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